Many authors freeze up by even hearing a suggestion that they openly promote their books. It's not as bad as it seems. A lot of use fear this step because

1. It's supposed to be so challenging.

2. They fear rejection.

After doing some research, and taking some friendly polls on myspace, I've come to the conclusion that you shouldn't initially sell your material online, you should share it.

Sharing your material works great in person before other people, one-on-one, or Online.

Below are a few steps in sharing your idea, book, music or advice online.

1. Know your preferred audience first.

Surround yourself around the people you'll sell to. They will let you know what they want and don't want. After you've developed a rapport with them, they will be waiting for your material with open arms. Go to as many sites that specialize or talk about what you plan to sell. After getting the information, sample some of your work for you audience. You'll be surprised how their reaction will be.

2. Make an audience profile.

You want to narrow in on how your work will affect the targeting market.Include their income, buying habits, values, online savvy, magazines they read, sex, and age among other traits. FACT: Books are still the number one seller on the Internet.

3. Write a "Dear Audience" letter.

Doing this will give you more of a human side. Writing why you do what you do and how you plan to help or entertain them with it will give you brownie points.

Dear_______, I wrote or am writing this book because you have this particular challenge, or are in this particular place where you'd like some answers on the topic of ____. Its number one message (benefit-thesis) is __________. And, it will also help you do, be, or have ______, _____, and _____. (specific benefits).

Share the written message orally in your own words, next time someone asks you about your book, or when you are in front of an audience. Take the information from your "Dear Audience" letter and reduce it a bit to fit your one to two minute allowed time to share.

4. Share your message Online.

The invention of the Internet was genius. Now that it's growing, lots of people who don't fall into the category of TOP SALESMAN/WOMAN can promote whatever it is they'd like. And the best aspect about the Internet: most of the information is FREE! People are more willing to surf the net for free (not including what people pay for their Internet connection) and sample a potential product before they'll drive way out to pick something up on a whim.

5. Viral marketing

This is when one person (or subscriber) shares your article, book, product with other people, resulting in an epic proportions of advertisement. Yet I prefer the idea of putting the "law of attraction" into motion. Best of all, you don't have to sell anything.

Terry J. Snipes

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